On Friday, Benneydale and Piopio Volunteer Fire Brigades were called out at 4.15am following a freak accident, which blocked State Highway 4 near Madonna Falls.
A tree had fallen near the small waterfall whose waters are reputed by some to offer miracle cures.
A truck ran over the tree but then got stuck, blocking the road.
Firefighters from both crews cleared the site and freed the truck with chainsaws.
State of Emergency At 9.32am on Saturday, 11 April 2026, a Local State of Emergency was declared for the Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group Area for a period of seven days, as a…
Storyboards capturing moments of cultural significance to local hapu Ngāti Rōrā are open to the community following a blessing late last month. After weather hampered attempts to officially open and bless the Mangaokewa Cultural Walkway…
Mōkau has put on another masterclass for bone carvers at the latest Firstgas Mōkau Bone carving Symposium over Easter weekend. Around 60 novice to expert carvers from across the country filled the Mōkau Hall to…
A group of eight Japanese students experienced a week to remember during their recent visit to the Waitomo district as part of the long-standing Tatsuno Sister City exchange. Friendship between Waitomo and Tatsuno was born…